TOP tailor Nicky Wallace – who designed Johnny Logan’s famous white suit for the Eurovision Song Contest – has died.
The 69-year-old passed away after a battle with cancer last week.
The Wexford native was known as the tailor-to-the-stars and designed the iconic suits worn by lead detectives Crocket and Tubbs, played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, on American TV series, Miami Vice.
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But it was his white suit he designed for Johnny Logan, which he wore for his second Eurovision win, that Nicky became well-known for.
In 2016, Logan dropped in to visit Nicky ahead of an event he was holding in the Brooks Hotel in Dublin.
“He was reminding me of the original white outfit that I designed for him when he won the Eurovision all those years ago… apparently the same suit is now in a museum in Sweden.. The Abba Museum…,” Nicky wrote on Facebook at the time.
Born into a well-known Wexford town tailoring and menswear family, Nicky developed an international reputation.
He also made clothes for rock stars such as David Bowie and Van Morrison.
He also had many private clients amongst leading figures in the Irish business and entertainment worlds and also designed clothes for Premier League footballers.
But having worked in the UK and France, Nicky returned home to his native Wexford in recent times and set up a specialised boutique in the town.
Nicky was suffering from cancer and one of his last acts was to hold a sale in his shop with 10 percent of proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society and the Hope Cancer Support Centre in Wexford.
Tributes poured in for the designer, who was described as a "gentle soul" and "master of his craft".
One person wrote in his book of condolences: "Condolences to family and friends on the untimely passing of Nicky.
"I’ll miss our regular coffees from Nicky’s visits from St. Malo and more recently from his Dublin visits from Wexford.
"A gentle soul and a master of his craft."
Another said: "Sending love and thinking of you Carmel, Lauren, Karl and all the Wallace family.
"I was proud to have started my working life with Nicky.
"His creative use of fabrics, tailoring and his unique style were world class, he truly was an inspiration.
"He is not just a big loss to our industry but will be missed by so many, who were touched by his kindness and friendship. RIP Nicky."
While one person added: "Rip nicky condolences to all the family. So sorry that nicky has passed away.
"He was a wonderful and lovely man.
"He will be missed very much."
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